Periodically, over several years, I have recalled a scene from a motion picture which I saw many years ago.
I wish that I could see the film again. Unfortunately, I not only don't recall the title,
but also don't remember the names of the actors. Therefore, of course, I have no way to search.
The scene is a small Operations building on an Army Airfield. It is during, or at the end, of World War Two.
The room is crowded with military men waiting for rides to their destinations, on military planes that have space available.
I'm not sure, but I think some, or most, are trying to get home, either on furlough, or (less sure) possibly have been
demobilized from the service following the end of the war. Two of them are startled to see each other.
They are relatives (I believe distant relatives) from the same town. One of them is much older; like two different generations.
After a brief and friendly conversation, they have to part when the younger man boards a B-25 Mitchell bomber.
His plane's takeoff is watched by the older man who had left the building with the younger man.
After the plane lifts off and begins to climb, the older man turns to re-enter the building.
At that moment the engine sounds change. It is obvious that they have begun to fail.
The older man turns to look just in time to witness the fatal crash. The crash was not shown,
but the sound was heard, and the bright light from the fiery explosion was reflected in the face of the older man.
Less firm in my memory is that the older man was on his way home and now was faced with the grim task of informing
the younger man's family; also, that most of the film followed the above scene.
That is how I remember it. Of course, since it's been so long ago, there could very well be some small errors.
I don't remember if the movie was in color.
